This year’s version of the Australian Burden of Disease Study will include myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome as its own condition.
For the first time in more than a decade, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome will be included in the Australian Burden of Disease Study.
ME/CFS was removed from the AIHW’s authoritative measure of health loss (as measured by disability-adjusted life years) in 2011 and was last included as a standalone condition in 2023.
DALYs allow the impact of different conditions to be directly compared, allowing the government to rank conditions on where funding, guidelines, and services are directed.
Anne Wilson, CEO of Emerge Australia (a not-for-profit that aims to improve the lives of people living with ME/CFS and long covid across the country), said that the move to include ME/CFS as a standalone item would help inform policy and funding decisions.
“The inclusion of ME/CFS in the ABDS signifies official recognition of the substantial public health burden this condition imposes. It places ME/CFS alongside major health challenges such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders, paving the way for informed policy development and resource allocation,” Ms Wilson told media.
“We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative efforts of the AIHW throughout this process. Their team has demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment, allowing us to contribute our expertise to ensure this outcome reflects the realities faced by those living with ME/CFS.”
Emerge Australia has also partnered with Edith Cowan University to conduct an online survey measuring the national burden of disease for ME/CFS. English-speaking Australians aged ≥18 years who have ME/CFS or long covid are eligible to complete the survey.
The AIHW will release the ABDS in December 2026.
